"We are thankful for the dedication of the students who have admirably risen to the challenges of having to carry the greater responsibility necessary when playing chamber music, as well as having to listen more carefully from the required, greater-than-normal distance in rehearsal and in performance."
— Dr. Allan Thorpe
This winter, Trinity Western's SAMC Chamber Strings, Chamber Winds and Chamber Brass ensembles perform a Christmas special, "From A Distance", directed by Heilwig von Koenigsloew and Dr. Allan Thorpe.
Dr. Thorpe introduced the inspiration for the performance: "A number of the pieces chosen for this program are also from distant time periods, with works by composers Andrea Gabrieli, Giovanni Gabrieli and Arcangelo Corelli representing musical styles from the 16th and 17th centuries. Further, the Christmas Concerto performed by the string orchestra was originally written to be performed from the balconies of Venice’s famous St. Marco cathedral."
The perspective of "From A Distance" also applies to many aspects of the performances. "First, there is the physical distances required between the performers, as well as having to share theses pieces digitally, online, rather than to a present audience," Dr. Thorpe said.
He added, "Both Heilwig and I are glad for the blessing and privilege we have had being able to work with these ensembles face-to-face during these challenging times. We are thankful for the dedication of the students who have admirably risen to the challenges of having to carry the greater responsibility necessary when playing chamber music, as well as having to listen more carefully from the required, greater-than-normal distance in rehearsal and in performance."
Finally, Dr. Thorpe expressed gratitde to composer and sound engineer, Jef Gibbons. "The opportunity to work with videographers Becca and Jef Gibbons at the recording venue was an absolute pleasure, and provided the students with a comfortable experience in this unfamiliar mode of presentation."
Watch "From A Distance" by SAMC Chamber Strings:
Watch "From A Distance" by SAMC Chamber Winds:
Watch "From A Distance" by SAMC Chamber Brass:
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About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has five campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, Ottawa, and Bellingham, WA. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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